The ancient Igbide Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State has entered a new chapter in its storied history. His Royal Majesty Patrick Okpomo Agre I, Ovie of Igbide Kingdom, has formally constituted the Igbide Kingdom Advisory Council (IKAC), bringing together an impressive group of professionals, public servants, and friends of the kingdom to help steer its future.
The Advisory Council, though yet to be inaugurated, is designed as a strategic think tank for the throne. Its purpose is to provide guidance on governance, economic transformation, cultural preservation, and the mobilization of Igbide’s vast human and material resources for development.
A Kingdom of Heritage and Resources
Igbide is one of the oldest and most influential communities in Isoko land. Known for its rich cultural traditions, the kingdom has historically been a center of commerce, fishing, and farming. Its fertile farmlands and abundant waterways support agriculture and aquaculture, while its oil-bearing lands place it at the heart of Delta State’s resource wealth.
Yet, like many resource-rich communities in the Niger Delta, Igbide has long faced challenges of underdevelopment, youth unemployment, and infrastructure gaps. His Royal Majesty Patrick Okpomo Agre I has made clear since his ascension that his reign would not be ceremonial alone. Instead, he has articulated a bullish development agenda that seeks to marry tradition with modern governance practices.
This vision is focused on investment in education, youth empowerment, agriculture, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and diaspora engagement — a holistic blueprint for inclusive growth.
The Advisory Council
The newly constituted Advisory Council reflects this ambitious vision. Members include a blend of accomplished sons and daughters of Igbide alongside trusted experts and friends of the kingdom whose professional experience and networks will add value.
The appointees are:
• Her Royal Majesty Evelyn Agre, Queen of Igbide Kingdom.
• Barrister Chief Mike Edegware, Director General, Delta State Internal Revenue Monitoring and Tracking.
• Chief Sylvester Egede, General Manager, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Tin Can Port, Lagos.
• Chief Emamusi Obiodeh, Honourable Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development, Delta State.
• Chief Felix Mamode Akugha, the Clan Otota of Igbide Kingdom and Anchor of Inside the Niger Delta.
• Professor Adesoji Adesugba, 1st Deputy President at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), and former Managing Director at the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA).
• Chief Charles Alakpa, the Founder & CEO of EarthCore Holdings, USA & Nigeria, and a Legislative Aide.
• Barrister Chief Amos Ogba, Dublin-based legal practitioner.
• Mr. Tim Akpareva, Business Director and Diaspora Coordinator.
• Mr. Ekene Ogbechie, Oil Industry Expert.
• Barrister Joel Ahoada, businessman.
Harnessing Expertise and Partnerships
In announcing the Council, His Royal Majesty emphasized that the appointments reflect his determination to harness the best brains available — both from Igbide and from friends of the kingdom.
“The Igbide Kingdom Advisory Council embodies our collective resolve to embrace progressive leadership while upholding the sanctity of our traditions. These appointments reflect my confidence in the knowledge, wisdom, and integrity of the members, and I pray for strength, unity, and divine guidance as they support the throne in charting a new path of peace and prosperity for our people,” the Ovie stated.
The diverse composition of the Council ensures that key sectors — governance, law, oil and gas, diaspora affairs, maritime services, finance, and media — are well represented. Each member brings a unique perspective that can strengthen the Ovie’s development agenda and provide the kingdom with access to new opportunities and partnerships.
Tradition Meets Modernity
The constitution of the Advisory Council demonstrates a refreshing model of traditional leadership adapting to modern governance imperatives. At a time when many communities grapple with the pressures of globalization, insecurity, and resource management, Igbide Kingdom is signaling that it intends to be proactive, visionary, and inclusive.
The Advisory Council will serve for an initial term of three years, renewable at the discretion of the Ovie. Its inauguration, expected to be a landmark event, will be announced in due course by the Palace.
For the people of Igbide, the appointments are a sign of hope — hope that with the right leadership, their community can translate its abundant cultural and natural resources into sustainable development, peace, and prosperity.